Nitrous oxide is unique in that it is none-invasive and has a rapid onset of action, making it a valuable option in\r\na variety of emergent situation and in painful paediatric procedures. The present randomised controlled study was\r\nset up in order to explore the effects of 3 different concentrations of nitrous oxide, 40, 55 and 70 vol. % as compared\r\nto placebo, provided by self administered from a demand valve by healthy volunteers for a short 4-minute period\r\nevaluating effect on attention, mode and wakefulness.\r\nOnset time and peak reduction in attention, change in saccadic eye movements, showed a dose dependent\r\npattern. After brief use, saccadic eye movements returned to baseline within minutes after cessation of administration.\r\nLoss of consciousness was observed only during administration of the 70 vol. %, minor side effects such as dizziness\r\nand nausea was observed during inhalation of all three active treatments.\r\nThe risks for over sedation/unconsciousness has to be weighed against the clinical benefit of faster and more\r\npronounced effects if a 70 % fixed nitrous oxide concentration is to be used by self administration from a demand\r\nvalve.
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